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First, this thread shouldn't be in the Drivers section, but more probably in Security.

The host file is definitely not a virus. It is shipped with every windows by default, and is a simple text file that you can open with your usual editor like notepad.

But... It is possible that malicious programs modified it.
Check this link : Edit the HOSTS File in Windows 8
It provides an example of a normal host file in the first picture. If your host file looks different, feel free to erase the additional lines.

If your Host file was modified my malware, I'd advise you to rescan your whole system with a reputable anti-virus and anti-malware. I've never heard of smadav, and it sounds suspicious especially if what it warned of was a scare tactic. Here are some notable software that I think are probably better :Malwarebytes Anti-MalwareAVG AntiVirus FREE 2015Microsoft Security EssentialsAvira Free Antivirus
You should only have one Anti-Virus running in real-time protection, so uninstall all others before choosing the one you think best. But you can install Malwarebytes at the same time though, it shouldn't conflict with anything.

This can be very useful when you want to block some hostnames, some kind of low level ad blocker.
But it can also be modified by malicious programs to redirect valid and legit adresses to something completely different, or more often to block security/official sites that may allow the user to get rid of malware : like Anti-Virus sites or even Microsoft Update.

First, this thread shouldn't be in the Drivers section, but more probably in Security.

The host file is definitely not a virus. It is shipped with every windows by default, and is a simple text file that you can open with your usual editor like notepad.

But... It is possible that malicious programs modified it.
Check this link : Edit the HOSTS File in Windows 8
It provides an example of a normal host file in the first picture. If your host file looks different, feel free to erase the additional lines.

If your Host file was modified my malware, I'd advise you to rescan your whole system with a reputable anti-virus and anti-malware. I've never heard of smadav, and it sounds suspicious especially if what it warned of was a scare tactic. Here are some notable software that I think are probably better :Malwarebytes Anti-MalwareAVG AntiVirus FREE 2015Microsoft Security EssentialsAvira Free Antivirus
You should only have one Anti-Virus running in real-time protection, so uninstall all others before choosing the one you think best. But you can install Malwarebytes at the same time though, it shouldn't conflict with anything.

The host file allows Windows to redirect IP adresses in the form (IPV4) 102.36.43.001 for example to a fully qualified hostname like http :// www .example.com
This can be very useful when you want to block some IP adresses, some kind of low level ad blocker.
But it can also be modified by malicious programs to redirect valid and legit adresses to something completely different, or more often to block security/official sites that may allow the user to get rid of malware : like Anti-Virus sites or even Microsoft Update.

Sorry about the wrong section thing. I was confused about where to post it...

Also, smadav is an antivirus that is widely used in my country. Though I think I'd rather just switch to Mbam. Andd Fix it did the trick! Thanks!

Host File considered a virus?

Host file modificationSolved
I have a problem that after editing my Windows Host file, I can't save it :shock:
Can someone help me with what I need to do, or it there is a tutorial on the subject :o
Thanks in advance
Oldarnie

Cannot Config Host fileMy problem is:
I config my host file to go facebook (my country prevent me to go there :( ) and It work probably to one day... I cannot go to facebook, and I checked my host file again. It's still no change from that time, but there is a small thing: host file now has a key icon at left-bottom....

General Discussion

Can't add new Host fileI've always been able to update my "Host" file from time to time. C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\HOSTS
I add something to the file bur Win7 wouldn't let me save it in the "etc" folder becase of lack of permission.
How can I override that?

System Security

Editing host fileSorry if this is in the wrong thread, feel free to move if needed :)
I am trying to edit the host file but keep getting access denied even though I am admin.
I did a search online and have tried everything that was suggested, I have tried opening notepad by right clicking and 'run as admin'. I...

General Discussion

Which host file to use?This is my first time with a 64 bit OS. I usually have to use the Hosts file to resolve my DNS on my XP machine. Do I use the hosts file in the same location that XP 32bit was for Win 7 64bit (windows\system32\drivers\etc\Hosts)? Or, is there another hosts file location that 64bit OS uses?